Lewis Hamilton Finally Breaks Through with Ferrari

At the Chinese Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton finally secured his first podium as a driver for Ferrari, finishing third at the Shanghai International Circuit and ending one of the most closely watched droughts of his career.

Hamilton’s high profile move from Mercedes at the end of the 2024 season carried enormous expectations. Yet his first campaign in red proved far more difficult than anticipated. The 2025 season brought a series of struggles, with Hamilton unable to reach the podium and battling to unlock the performance of the SF25. As the season wore on, the difficulties intensified, and the seven time world champion even endured three consecutive Q1 eliminations, an unwanted first for a Ferrari driver.

The sweeping regulation changes introduced for 2026 offered a fresh opportunity. Hamilton looked far more comfortable in the new machinery and began the season strongly, finishing fourth at the Australian Grand Prix.

Shanghai would finally deliver the breakthrough.

A Hard Fought Podium in Shanghai

Starting third on the grid, Hamilton briefly led the race and spent much of the afternoon locked in battle with an elite group that included Kimi Antonelli, Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc and George Russell.

By the chequered flag, Hamilton had secured third place, finally delivering his first podium for Ferrari in his 26th race with the Scuderia. The result carried particular significance given the long wait that preceded it and the scrutiny surrounding his move to Maranello.

Ferrari Drivers Who Waited the Longest for a First Podium

1. Lewis Hamilton – 26th race

Hamilton’s maiden Ferrari podium arrived at the 2026 Chinese Grand Prix, in his 26th start for the team. The Shanghai circuit has historically been a happy hunting ground for the Briton, who already holds the record for the most wins at the venue.

2. Didier Pironi – 19th race

Before Hamilton, the record belonged to Didier Pironi. The Frenchman joined Ferrari in 1981 and endured a podiumless debut season. His breakthrough came in the fourth round of the following year when he won the San Marino Grand Prix, his 19th race for the Scuderia.

3. Gilles Villeneuve – 14th race

Ferrari legend Gilles Villeneuve required patience as well. After joining the team for the final races of 1977, the Canadian claimed his first podium in Ferrari colours at the Austrian Grand Prix in 1978, his 14th race with the team.

4. Gerhard Berger – 11th race

Gerhard Berger returned to Ferrari in 1993 after leaving McLaren. He reached the podium for the first time in that second stint at the Hungarian Grand Prix, in his 11th race for the Scuderia.

5. Felipe Massa – 5th race

Felipe Massa needed far less time to adapt. Joining Ferrari in 2006, the Brazilian achieved his first podium for the team at the European Grand Prix in only his fifth start, later going on to challenge for the world championship in 2008.

A Long Wait, But a Significant Moment

Several Ferrari drivers endured long spells without a podium, including Ivan Capelli, Arturo Merzario, Pedro Rodríguez, Olivier Gendebien and Giancarlo Fisichella, though none managed to stand on the podium during their time with the Scuderia.

For Hamilton, however, the Shanghai result may prove to be a turning point. After a difficult first chapter with Ferrari, the seven time world champion has finally delivered the result many expected when he first arrived in Maranello.

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Written by

James Rees

A passionate motorsport journalist from Wales, with over 30 years of love for the sport. A dedicated father of three, working as a content manager, covering the fast-paced world of Formula 1, Formula 2, Formula 3, Formula E, and IndyCar.

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